How to Switch Accountants

Switching accountants is usually simpler than most people expect – and we’ll guide you through the entire process

1) Decide the level of support you need

Before switching, think about which services you’d like help with, such as:

  • Year-end accounts and tax returns

  • Bookkeeping and VAT

  • Payroll and CIS

  • Management accounts or advisory support

This helps us recommend the right level of support from the start.

2) Choose the right time to switch

You can switch accountants at any time, but common handover points include:

  • the start of a month

  • the start of a VAT quarter

  • shortly after the year-end

If deadlines are approaching, it’s often best to act sooner rather than wait.

3) Share the key information

We’ll usually ask for a few basics, such as:

  • UTR and company number (if applicable)

  • VAT and payroll details

  • Bookkeeping access or spreadsheets

  • Recent accounts or tax returns

Don’t worry if anything is missing – we can usually request what’s needed as part of the handover.

4) We manage the handover process

This normally includes:

  • contacting your previous accountant

  • requesting professional clearance

  • obtaining relevant records and information

  • checking for upcoming deadlines or outstanding HMRC matters.

Our aim is to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

5) We arrange the necessary authorisations

We’ll update the relevant HMRC and Companies House authorisations so we can act on your behalf moving forward.  This may include:

  • HMRC authorisation for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT or PAYE

  • Companies House authentication and filing access where required

  • Cloud accounting and bookkeeping access transfers

  • Payroll and pension access updates where applicable

The aim is to ensure everything is connected and running smoothly from day one.

6) We help you settle into the new setup

Once everything is transferred, we’ll help make sure your records, systems and deadlines are fully under control moving forward.  This may include:

  • confirming upcoming deadlines

  • reviewing any immediate risks or priorities

  • helping tidy up records or bookkeeping issues

  • making recommendations to improve systems or reporting

The goal is to give you clarity, confidence and a smoother experience going forward.

Quick checklist to make switching accountants easier

If you want to speed things up, it helps to have:

  • your UTR and Company Number (if applicable)

  • VAT number and VAT quarter dates

  • PAYE reference (if you run payroll)

  • bookkeeping software access or exported records

  • your latest accounts and tax returns (if available)

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything – we can usually help retrieve missing information during the handover process.
Book a Free 20-Minute Call

Questions about switching accountants

Yes — and in many cases, switching can actually help you get back on track faster.  We’ll prioritise anything urgent, help you understand what needs dealing with first and put a realistic catch up plan in place.

Usually not.  We normally handle the professional clearance process and request the relevant records directly, making the handover as straightforward as possible.

Not if it’s managed properly.  Most of the work happens behind the scenes, and we’ll aim to make the transition smooth with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations.

Switching accountants is easier than most people expect

We’ll guide you through the process, handle the professional clearance and make the transition smooth and low-stress
Book a free 20-minute call and we’ll explain the next steps, review any deadlines and help you switch over cleanly and confidently.

Book a Free 20-Minute Call